FAQs

What is Personal Counseling and who is it for?

Personal Counseling is a mental health resource for students currently enrolled in classes at Westchester Community College. Personal Counselors provide free, short-term support for students who are struggling with issues including depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, adjustment, and a range of other personal challenges.

What types of services does the Personal Counseling Department provide?

The Personal Counseling Department offers confidential, individual and group mental health services in addition to campus-wide programming, intended to provide support, education, and healthy ways of coping with stressors and struggles. For more information about specific programs, please seek view our semester calendar.

I do not know if my problems are “that bad.” Should I still see a Personal Counselor?

Whether big or small, if your struggles are affecting you personally and/or academically, it is always good to reach out for support. Reaching out is a sign of strength!

How do I make an appointment with a Personal Counselor?

Students can make an appointment with a Personal Counselor over the phone (914-606-7784/6721, via e-mail (PersonalCounseling@sunywcc.edu), or in-person in the Personal Counseling Department offices (Student Center Rooms 225 & 226).

How many times will I see a Personal Counselor?

You may benefit from two or three sessions to address a specific area of concern, or you may find it helpful to use more sessions to address concerns that warrant more attention. Our service offers short-term counseling but referrals are often made for students who wish to consider longer-term counseling or psychotherapy. Appropriate length of services will be determined between student and Personal Counselor.

Is Personal Counseling confidential?

Yes. The Personal Counseling Department protects student privacy and confidentiality. PCD records are not kept as part of student academic record. PCD staff will not answer questions about any student from parents, family members, friends, significant others, professors, employers, or anyone else outside of the Personal Counseling Department. PCD will release information from counseling sessions to outside parties only upon written authorization from the student and other limited exceptions.

In addition to written authorization, the Personal Counseling Department may release confidential information when:

Student expresses plans to harm self
Student expresses plans to harm others
Abuse or neglect of a child, adult, or elderly person is made known to Personal Counselor

What is the WCC CARE Team?

The campus CARE Team is a cross-functional committee of faculty, staff and administrators who identify, assess and mitigate risks associated with students exhibiting concerning behavior or thoughts. In order to address the wellbeing and security of the community and the individual, the CARE Team will partner with the community and recommend interventions that help ensure the likelihood of a positive and safe resolution.

The Personal Counseling Department staff reserves the right to disclose information to the CARE Team when the safety and wellbeing of this student or others is of concern. When possible, the PCD staff will inform the student of the information being shared.

If I tell a Personal Counselor that I have been drinking alcohol under the age of 21 or using illegal substances like marijuana, will it be reported to police?

No. You are protected under our confidentiality policy.

What happens if I miss my appointment with a Personal Counselor?

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, The Personal Counseling Department expects 24 hour notice via phone call or e-mail. If you cancel or miss a scheduled appointment, the Personal Counselor will contact you via phone and/or e-mail to re-schedule.

I do not take any classes at the Main Campus in Valhalla, can I still receive Personal Counseling services?

Yes. Personal Counselors will work with students to ensure access to support and services including scheduled appointments at extension centers and/or phone consultations.

If you have any other questions or would like more information about the Personal Counseling Department, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Westchester Community College, State University of New York

FAQs

Student Services